Breast Cancer

March 12 2024

Meet Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley, Medical Advisor to My Density Matters

Meet Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley, Medical Advisor to My Density Matters March 12, 2024

Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley, a breast radiologist with nearly two decades of experience, uses her knowledge and multiple platforms to raise awareness about something that had concerned her for years: the cancer risk for women with dense breasts.

“Before we had 3D mammography and supplemental screening with ultrasound, there was always this part of me that felt like we weren’t doing enough,” she said. “Over time, more data became available proving women who have the most dense tissue, have the greatest risk [of developing breast cancer].”

As the director of The Breast Center at Carti cancer treatment center in Little Rock, Arkansas, she ensures patients receive the appropriate supplemental screenings, risk assessments, and genetic testing.

When she found the My Density Matters team as they were just getting started on social media, she realized an ideal match and signed on as a Medical Advisor.

“My Density Matters fully aligns with the work that I’ve been doing for many years, the work that helps educate and empower women to take better care of themselves,” she said.

While her days are generally packed with reading mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; performing procedures like biopsies; and interacting with patients, she takes time at the end of the week for a little fun.

“Some people knit. Some people garden. We make Tik Toks on Friday afternoons,” she said.

Along with her colleague, Dr. Yara Robertson, a breast surgeon, Smith-Foley shares her wisdom on the wildly popular video sharing social media platform under the handle @breastfriends4eva.

Check it out and you’ll find the two doctors dancing, often while wearing hot pink scrubs, and sharing important messages about breast health.

Her video explaining the four different levels of breast density drew more than 26,000 views on two different channels.

“People of all ages are looking to social media to find information. Our goal is for them to find accurate information. And we try to present it in a way that is a little less scary,” she said.

While some patients are fearful when they find out they have dense breast tissue, Smith-Foley tries to ease the worry.

“It’s just the way your body’s made, but it’s something that you need to be aware of so that you can take additional steps if needed, to get the best, most comprehensive, thorough screening,” she stated.

As a regular speaker at the annual meeting of the Radiologic Society of North America and a co-author of several peer-reviewed journal articles, Smith-Foley sees herself as a leader amongst her community of breast radiologists who are not universally embracing supplemental screening.

“We all have to have on-the-job training and continuing education. Technology pushes us and new scientific breakthroughs push us to expand our knowledge base and what we’re offering to our patients,” she said.

Meet other members of the My Density Matters Medical Advisory Board.

February 12 2024

“Find Out My Breast Density Day”: Unveiling ‘Breast Tools’ for Empowerment on February 21, 2024

Leslie Ferris Yerger Breast Cancer

"Find Out My Breast Density Day": Unveiling 'Breast Tools' for Empowerment on February 21, 2024 February 12, 2024

As February 21, 2024 approaches, My Density Matters is gearing up for a pivotal event— “Find Out My Breast Density Day.” This isn’t just a date; it’s an open invitation to individuals, groups, and corporations to unite in a shared commitment to breast health.

The Theme: Breast Tools to Assess, Act, and Communicate

This year’s theme, ‘Breast Tools,’ takes center stage—crafted to empower everyone to Assess, Act, and Communicate about breast density. The comprehensive Check Your Chart™ program and website downloads incorporate the latest research, our Breast Health Guide is based on ACR (American College of Radiology) recommendations, and is meant for women ages 18 and older.

Assess with the ACR-Based Breast Health Guide

Knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. Our newly launched Breast Health Guide, intricately aligned with ACR recommendations, is your passport to assessment. Fast and simple, informative, and personalized, this guide offers insights into your breast density and other risk factors, and recommends actions aligned with the highest medical standards.

Act with Check Your Chart™ Program

Empower yourself to advocate for your health with our Check Your Chart™ program. Dive into your personal information, gaining the knowledge you need to navigate your health journey confidently. It’s not just a chart; it’s your tool to empower informed decision-making.

Communicate with Website Downloads

Effective communication bridges gaps. Our website downloads provide you with the tools to engage with your doctors, insurance companies, and other professionals. Transform awareness into action as you advocate for your health with the resources at your fingertips.

Join the Half-Hour TV Program on Social Media Channels

On February 21, 2024, we invite one and all to tune in to our half-hour TV program streamed on our social media channels at noon Central time. Gather your friends, colleagues, and family for an insightful journey into breast health. Learn, engage, and be part of a community committed to being empowered to advocate for themselves and others.

All Are Welcome

“Find Out My Breast Density Day” is inclusive and welcoming. We extend the invitation to individuals, groups, and corporations to join this collective effort towards a future where everyone, starting at age 18, is equipped with tools to navigate their breast health journey confidently.

Save the date, spread the word, and let’s make February 21, 2024, a landmark day for breast health, rooted in the highest medical standards and personal empowerment.

^{With ChatGPT}

January 11 2024

Embrace Your Health: Let 2024 Be the Year of YOU

Leslie Ferris Yerger Breast Cancer

Embrace Your Health: Let 2024 Be the Year of YOU January 11, 2024

As we welcome a new year, let’s embark on a journey of self-care and empowerment, focusing on a resolution that not only embraces the strength within you but also safeguards your future.

In the intricate tapestry of breast health, breast density often remains a mystery for many. For 43% of women aged 40-75, this is not just a statistic; it’s a part of their reality. However, the knowledge about breast density remains surprisingly low, with only about a third of women in the United States familiar with this crucial aspect of their health.

Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and connective tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast. While dense breasts are entirely normal, they pose a unique challenge in detecting breast cancer. Mammograms, vital for early detection, encounter difficulty in identifying threats in denser breast tissue, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to breast health beyond routine mammogram screenings.

Empowering steps for every woman:

Self-Awareness: Start by knowing your own body. Familiarize yourself with the concept of breast density and find out your own density level. Learn more at www.MyDensityMatters.org.
Supplementary Screenings: For women with dense breasts, consider ultrasound, Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM), or MRI screenings to complement mammograms, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Schedule a discussion with your healthcare provider to devise a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.

Embracing your breast health is not just a resolution; it’s a commitment to your own well-being. As we walk into the brand new year of 2024, let it mark the beginning of a journey—a journey to prioritize and cherish your breast health. The challenge is yours to embrace, and the steps are clear.

If you haven’t had a mammogram, let this be the year you make that vital appointment. If the concept of breast density remains a mystery, unlock it—know your own density level. And if additional screenings are what your health demands, take that decisive step towards a more comprehensive assessment.

Here’s to a new year filled with proactive choices, radiant health, and the strength that comes from knowing you have taken charge of your well-being.

With ChatGPT

November 8 2023

Meet Dr. Kirti Kulkarni, Medical Advisor to My Density Matters

Leslie Ferris Yerger Breast Cancer

Meet Dr. Kirti Kulkarni, Medical Advisor to My Density Matters November 8, 2023

Dr. Kirti Kulkarni, breast radiologist, University of Chicago Medicine, works on the front lines of breast cancer screening, detection, and screening.

“My typical day starts with reading mammograms. When I interpret a mammogram, number one, I talk about breast density in my report. That’s the first thing that strikes me, and I want the patient to be aware of it,” she said.

Her goal is to find cancer, and she knows that dense breasts pose a challenge.

“It’s hard for me as a radiologist to interpret that exam because the glandular tissue is white and cancer can also be white, and sometimes, it’s hard to differentiate one from the other,” she said.

While she recommends additional breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts, that doesn’t mean patients should skip the mammogram.

“Mammograms help me understand what your breast density is, it helps me find the location of the cancer, and, if there is any. And it also helps me see those fine calcifications,” she said.

“Breast density is not something that you can palpate or the doctor can palpate and tell the breast density. It is only determined on a mammogram, and it is actually a mathematical calculation,” she stated.

Dr. Kulkarni and her colleagues look at the ratio of glandular tissue to fat in the breast to determine density, measured as A, B, C, or D.

Here are the breast density guidelines:

A: Almost fatty: Breast tissue mainly composed of fatty tissue and less than 25% glandular tissue

B: Scattered fibroglandular density: Breast contains between 25% and 50% glandular tissue

C: Heterogeneously dense: Breast contains 50% to 75% glandular tissue

D: Extremely dense: Breast contains more than 75% glandular tissue

Once doctors determine a patient’s density, they are able to recommend the appropriate additional screening from a variety of available options such as automated whole breast ultrasound or breast MRI.

Dr. Kulkarni chose the field of breast radiology to make a change in patient’s lives, and when she met Leslie Ferris Yerger, Executive Director, My Density Matters, the doctor did not hesitate to sign on as a medical advisor. “We hit it off right away, and we knew we were both passionate about this field and educating patients. I’m immensely inspired by Leslie and her team for all the efforts they put into this movement,” she said.

In addition to educating the general public about breast density through her work with My Density Matters, Dr. Kulkarni is also dedicated to teaching medical students, residents, and fellows and collaborating with colleagues on patient care, research, and new technology. She values the work underway to make breast cancer detection less expensive and faster via MRI and liquid biopsies. As for treatment, she predicts progress for patients on multiple levels. “Targeted chemotherapy is getting more effective and comes with less side effects, which means patients are more willing to go along with the protocol,” she explained.

My Density Matters is here to answer your questions and make sure you are informed and empowered to take control of your breast cancer screening. Check Your Chart™ and learn more about reading your mammogram report and sign up for the My Density Matters newsletter to stay up-to-date about the latest recommendations.

Meet other members of the My Density Matters Medical Advisory Board.

October 16 2023

A Heartfelt Thank You: Walking Together For Earlier Breast Cancer Detection

Leslie Ferris Yerger Breast Cancer

Walking Together For Earlier Breast Cancer Detection October 16, 2023

A Healthfelt Thank You

In the spirit of gratitude, we find ourselves reflecting on the tremendous success of our recent Paint the Lake Pink fundraiser walk. It’s truly heartwarming to witness the power of community, as we came together to stride purposefully toward a world where breast density no longer hinders the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This article is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the incredible participants and sponsors who made our event not just possible but a resounding success.

A Sea of Pink: Our Amazing Participants

Our heartfelt thanks extend to the sea of pink-clad individuals who turned up with uplifting enthusiasm. Your presence not only painted the event in vibrant colors but also symbolized the unity and strength that is essential. Each step taken was not just a stride forward but a testament to your commitment to making a difference.

Sponsors: The Pillars of Support

To our sponsors, you are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Your commitment to supporting our cause goes beyond financial contributions; it represents a belief in our mission. Your generosity has allowed us to empower more women to find out their breast density and advocate for themselves. Together, we are making strides towards earlier breast cancer diagnoses.

Stories of Resilience: Walking In Honor of Survivors

Behind each participant is a story—a story of resilience, strength, and hope. Whether you walked for a loved one, for yourself, or to support the cause, your story is an integral part of our collective journey. It’s through these stories that we find inspiration, and it’s your courage that fuels our determination to keep pushing forward.

In closing, our hearts overflow with gratitude. The success of our fundraiser walk is not just measured in numbers but in the collective spirit of compassion and determination that enveloped the event. To our participants and sponsors, you are the driving force behind our mission. Thank you for walking with us, supporting us, and being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.

You missed the walk but would still like to help the cause? You can donate here.

— Leslie Yerger (with ChatGPT)